The 7 Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Kamakura
- Published on : 03/03/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Dankazakura (Kamakura)
@Yuki Shimazu on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
Visiting Japan during the sakura season? Don't miss Kamakura. Famous for its centuries-old temples, the former capital is an ideal getaway to admire the cherry blossoms just an hour from Tokyo. Discover 7 places to do hanami with Japan Experience.
1.Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
From the top of its many steps, Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu has dominated the city since 1180, when Kamakura became the country's political capital. Dankazura, the path leading to the shrine, is famous for its border of cherry trees, lit by lanterns at dusk. A photogenic walk, emblematic of Kamakura in springtime!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-8588, Japan
Cherry blossom season: late March-early April
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (Kamakura)
@Ryosuke Yagi on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
2. Hase-dera
Located near the coast, the Hase-dera temple is the perfect place to admire different varieties of cherry trees. We're particularly fond of its terraces, which offer breathtaking views of the city and sea beyond theblossoming sakura trees.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Address: 3-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Cherry blossom season: late March-early April
Hase-dera (Kamakura)
@Tokyo Times on Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
3. Kotoku-in
Around the famous Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu), located at Kotoku-in Temple, a few carefully arranged cherry trees enhance the bronze statue. When the sakura are in bloom, their petals contrast delicately with the Buddha's patina, creating a poetic atmosphere.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Cherry blossom season: late March-early April
Daibutsu (Kamakura)
@Mashthetics on Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Discover Kamakura differently with the help of our local guide!
Dotted with temples, Kamakura retains the vestiges of its former glory. Just an hour by train from Tokyo, far from the hustle and bustle of the megalopolis, the former seat of the shogunal government is lulled by the sound of the waves and the bells of Buddhist temples. As all Tokyoites will tell you, Kamakura has a very endearing charm.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
©hidefumi-ohmichi
4. Engaku-ji
In Kita-Kamakura, Engaku-ji offers a quieter environment in which to admire the cherry trees. The trees scattered around the temple grounds create a contemplative atmosphere, where the history of the place blends with the softness of the sakura.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Address: 409 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-0062, Japan
Cherry blossom season: late March-early April
Engaku-ji (Kamakura)
@Pixta
5. Genjiyama Park
This large park, located at the top of a hill on the hiking trail between Kita-Kamakura and Daibutsu, boasts no fewer than 300 different varieties of cherry trees! Ideal for a spring stroll or hanami, since picnics are permitted.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Address: 4-649-1 Ogigayatsu, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0011, Japan
Cherry blossom season: late March-early April
Genjiyama Park (Kamakura)
@Pixta
6. Kenchō-ji
Kenchō-ji is Kamakura's oldest Zen temple and one of the most imposing in the area. Founded in the mid-XIIIᵉ century, it is one of the city's Five Great Zen Temples. During the cherry-tree season, the main aisle leading up to the large gate is adorned with sakura, forming a natural tunnel of pink petals. There are several varieties of cherry trees, including the photogenic shidare-zakura weeping cherry.
The hiking trail behind the temple, which leads to the Hansôbô shrine, is also dotted with sakura trees, including wild mountain cherry.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Address: 8 Yamanouchi, Kamakura, Kanagawa 247-8525, Japan
Cherry blossom season: generally late March to early April, but some varieties can bloom as early as late February.
Kenchō-ji (Kamakura)
@Pixta
7. Kōmyō-ji
Kōmyō-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Jōdo school, located near the beaches of Zaimokuza. Less crowded than the large temples in central Kamakura, it's a peaceful place to admire the cherry blossom trees scattered around the temple courtyard. Ideal for a stroll away from the crowds!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Address: 6-17-19 Zaimokuza, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0013, Japan
Cherry blossom season: late March-early April
Cherry blossoms
@Unsplash
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